Research Computing Facilitator

Required Qualifications (as evidenced by an attached resume):
Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Systems, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience). Seven (7) years of experience in Research Computing and HPC, demonstrating proficiency in performing feasibility studies and recommending improvements for Research IT services. Solid background with Linux-based systems, HPC job scheduling (e.g., SLURM), and research data management practices. Experience analyzing, developing, and evaluating complex research computing systems. Experience working with research compliance standards and security protocols, collaborating alongside Information Security and regulatory bodies.

Preferred Qualifications:
Prior involvement in developmental and user committees, contributing insights for research computing initiatives. Programming/Scripting experience (e.g., Python, R, Bash). Experience with cloud computing and research data storage solutions. Project management experience in a research or academic environment. Experience with scientific software packages commonly used in HPC and research workflows.

Brief Description of Duties:
The Research Computing Facilitator (Associate Director) serves a critical role in supporting Stony Brook University's research community by ensuring advanced computational resources including high-performance computing (HPC), data management, and related IT services, are efficiently utilized and continually improved. This position will lead conducting feasibility studies, recommending service enhancements, and analyzing complex research computing systems to meet user requirements in the most economical way possible. Collaborating with developmental and user committees and Information Security and regulatory bodies, the Associate Director helps maintain compliance standards, secure research workflows, and foster a robust environment for cutting-edge academic and clinical research.

The Research Computing Facilitator (RCF) serves a critical role in bridging the gap between researchers and advanced computational resources, ensuring the effective and efficient use of high-performance computing (HPC) systems and other research data infrastructure. The RCF reports to the Chief Research Information Officer and collaborates closely with the Director of Research Security in the Office of the Vice President for Research (VPR) and the Campus Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to maintain compliance standards, protect sensitive data, and secure research workflows. This role supports continuity and knowledge-sharing across Empire AI (EAI) sites, fostering a collaborative technical community across institutions and enhancing computational resources available to the research community. The RCF will contribute to optimizing research workflows, fostering user engagement, and ensuring resources align with evolving research needs. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential for this position.

* Research Computing Support & Facilitation:

Direct and provide guidance on HPC, data management, and AI tools for researchers across disciplines.

Lead the conduction of feasibility studies for new projects and make recommendations that enhance Research IT services.

Analyze and troubleshoot complex issues related to HPC job scheduling (e.g., SLURM), Linux-based systems, and specialized scientific software packages.

* System Analysis, Development, & Evaluation:

Analyze, develop, and evaluate complex research computing systems to ensure cost-effective solutions that meet project specifications and user requirements.

Direct continuous assessments using performance metrics, identifying areas for improvement in HPC architecture, data storage, and cloud computing services.

Work with IT teams and stakeholders to propose system enhancements or new technologies aligned with evolving research needs.

* Compliance, Security, & Regulatory Collaboration:

Partner with Information Security teams and regulatory bodies to address requirements related to research compliance and data protection.

Implement and uphold security protocols, ensuring safe handling of sensitive data in compliance with university policies and external regulations.

Maintain thorough documentation of processes to support audits and reviews.

* Project Coordination & Implementation:

Plan, manage, and optimize research computing projects, from initial feasibility through execution and evaluation.

Collaborate with faculty, IT professionals, and external partners to integrate new technologies and methods while meeting project deadlines and budgets.

Engage with developmental and user committees to refine requirements, align priorities, and communicate progress effectively.

* Committee Participation & Stakeholder Engagement:

Serve on relevant committees to represent research computing interests, gather user feedback, and shape institutional strategies.

Coordinate with cross-functional teams-including labs, departments, and administrative units-to address emerging needs and promote best practices.

Facilitate training sessions, workshops, and user support activities that drive adoption of HPC resources.

* Continuous Improvement & Outreach:

Stay informed about new developments in HPC, AI, cloud services, and data management, assessing their feasibility and potential ROI for the university.

Provide ongoing support and outreach to researchers, educating them on best practices for optimizing computational workflows.

Encourage a culture of innovation through regular review of technology trends and alignment with institutional goals.

* Other duties or projects as assigned as appropriate to rank and departmental mission

Special Notes:
This is a full-time appointment. FLSA Exempt position, not eligible for the overtime provisions of the FLSA. Minimum salary threshold must be met to maintain FLSA exemption.

Resume/CV should be included with the online application.

For this position, we are unable to sponsor candidates for work visas.

SUNY implemented a hybrid telecommuting pilot program. This position has been approved to participate in the pilot, which allows for up to 5 remote days per pay period.

Stony Brook University is committed to excellence in diversity and the creation of an inclusive learning, and working environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status and all other protected classes under federal or state laws.

If you need a disability-related accommodation, please call the university Office of Equity and Access (OEA) at (631) 632-6280 or visit OEA.

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